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                     Tennessee Medieval Faire 2016

                    Historical and Theatrical Premise

 

The year is approximately 500 A.D.  The void left by the fall of the Roman Empire has allowed various groups to raid and pillage Briton.  The Saxons have been trying to seize control.

Arthur, an officer in what’s left of the Roman army, united the local British and Celtic tribes, to rise up and defeat the Saxons.  Arthur was named King of Briton.  He then married Guinevere, a Celtic princess, to further unite the tribes.

Arthur and Guinevere are very much in love.  In celebration of peace and union, they are travelling the countryside visiting towns and villages with their entourage, including some of the Knights of the Round Table, Merlin and some of Guinevere’s Celtic friends and relatives.  You are invited to join in their happy celebration.

 

King Arthur and Camelot

 

This year the Tennessee Medieval Faire is celebrating the history and legend of King Arthur.  Tales of Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table have been told for over 1500 years.  This year’s Faire is about the beginning, around 500 A.D., after the fall of the Roman Empire--the beginning of the Dark or Middle Ages.  

Historically there is mention of a Roman-British soldier named Ambrosius Aurelianus.  It is believed that his war leader (Arthur), along with his loyal mounted soldiers (knights), helped unite the tribes of Briton and fight back the Saxon invaders from Europe.  After their victory (major battle of Mount Badon), Arthur was crowned King of the Britons, and created an era of peace, justice and prosperity known as Camelot.  

Over the centuries, different writers expanded on what was known of the historical Arthur creating a heroic myth and legend.  Numerous elements were added to the story, including the magical sword Excalibur, the Round Table, Merlin the Magician, Lancelot, Guinevere, Morgan le Fay, the search for the Holy Grail, and much more.  If you are interested reading about the legend of Arthur and Camelot, we recommend “The Once and Future King” by T.H. White.  

For short history and videos on the historical Arthur, we recommend:  

 

The history of the heroic King Arthur is the theatrical framework for the 2016 Tennessee Medieval Faire.  We all need heroes--the best in ourselves.  Come and feel transported to a more innocent time of chivalry and gallantry.  

Celebrate that “Camelot Lives!”

 

Medieval Jousting

 

Jousting in the Middle Ages was contest between two armed horsemen charging toward each other on a tournament field.  The challenge was to unhorse the opponent.  Weapons used were usually a lance with a blunted tip, but sometimes sword and shield or even maces.

The contestants and their horses were protected with hammered steel armor and padding.  Even so, jousting was very dangerous.  Many contestants were badly injured or even killed.

Jousting evolved from medieval warfare. The cavalry wore battle armor and charged into the opposing army.  Heavily armed and armored horsemen had a devastating effect on lightly armed foot soldiers.

When knights returned home from battle, they organized tournaments to maintain and exhibit their battlefield skills.  Even to this day, jousting continues as a sport and/or theatrical exhibition.

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